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Form 10-Q ICC Holdings, Inc. For: Mar 31

May 14, 2021 12:46 PM EDT

 



UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

_______________________________

FORM 10-Q

_______________________________



(Mark One)



 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934



For the quarterly period ended Mach 31, 2021

or



 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934



For transition period from                      to                     .

Commission File Number: 001-38046

ICC Holdings, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

_______________________________



 

 

Pennsylvania

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

 

81-3359409

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

225 20th Street,  Rock Island,  Illinois

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

 

61201

(Zip Code)

 

(309)  793-1700

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

_______________________________

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:





 

 

Title of each class

Trading
Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share

ICCH

The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes    No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit such files). Yes    No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.





 

 



Large accelerated filer   

Accelerated filer   



Non-accelerated filer      

Smaller reporting company   



 

Emerging growth company  

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes      No 

The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding as of May 3, 2021 was 3,298,355.

 



 

 


 

Table of Contents





 

 



 

Page 

PART I

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements

 



Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2021 (unaudited) and December 31, 2020



Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Earnings for the Three-Month Periods Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 (unaudited)



Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders Equity for the Three-Month Periods Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 (unaudited)



Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three-Month Periods Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 (unaudited)



Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

18 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

30 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

31 



 

 

PART II

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

31 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

31 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

32 

Item 3.

Default Upon Senior Securities

32 

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

32 

Item 5.

Other Information

32 

Item 6.

Exhibits

33 



 

 

Signatures 

34 



 

~  2  ~


 

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

ICC Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

As of



 

March 31,

 

December 31,



 

2021

 

2020



 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments and cash:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities (amortized cost - $97,695,883 at 3/31/2021 and $98,753,027 at 12/31/2020)

 

$

101,865,040 

 

$

105,740,566 

Common stocks at fair value

 

 

18,404,167 

 

 

14,724,814 

Preferred stocks at fair value

 

 

1,654,530 

 

 

1,683,892 

Other invested assets

 

 

1,777,792 

 

 

1,772,867 

Property held for investment, at cost, net of accumulated depreciation of $464,847 at 3/31/2021 and $465,364 at 12/31/2020

 

 

5,148,152 

 

 

5,399,826 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

5,556,479 

 

 

6,598,842 

Total investments and cash

 

 

134,406,160 

 

 

135,920,807 

Accrued investment income

 

 

700,153 

 

 

660,793 

Premiums and reinsurance balances receivable, net of allowances for uncollectible amounts of $150,000 at 3/31/2021 and 12/31/2020

 

 

22,598,051 

 

 

23,506,171 

Ceded unearned premiums

 

 

861,914 

 

 

860,905 

Reinsurance balances recoverable on unpaid losses and settlement expenses, net of allowances for uncollectible amounts of $0 at 3/31/2021 and 12/31/2020

 

 

14,011,159 

 

 

13,019,865 

Federal income taxes

 

 

338,908 

 

 

372,986 

Deferred policy acquisition costs, net

 

 

5,721,277 

 

 

5,429,620 

Property and equipment, at cost, net of accumulated depreciation of $6,196,657 at 3/31/2021 and $6,079,728 at 12/31/2020

 

 

2,818,244 

 

 

2,860,331 

Other assets

 

 

1,287,738 

 

 

1,307,794 

Total assets

 

$

182,743,604 

 

$

183,939,272 

Liabilities and Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unpaid losses and settlement expenses

 

$

61,807,968 

 

$

61,575,666 

Unearned premiums

 

 

30,467,894 

 

 

29,788,834 

Reinsurance balances payable

 

 

347,506 

 

 

371,195 

Corporate debt

 

 

13,462,614 

 

 

13,465,574 

Accrued expenses

 

 

3,021,753 

 

 

3,472,511 

Income taxes - deferred

 

 

910,957 

 

 

1,231,271 

Other liabilities

 

 

944,113 

 

 

1,290,532 

Total liabilities

 

 

110,962,805 

 

 

111,195,583 

Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock1  

 

 

35,000 

 

 

35,000 

Treasury stock, at cost2

 

 

(3,095,065)

 

 

(3,153,838)

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

32,765,565 

 

 

32,780,436 

Accumulated other comprehensive earnings, net of tax

 

 

3,293,569 

 

 

5,520,091 

Retained earnings

 

 

41,302,055 

 

 

40,140,115 

Less: Unearned Employee Stock Ownership Plan shares at cost3

 

 

(2,520,325)

 

 

(2,578,115)

Total equity

 

 

71,780,799 

 

 

72,743,689 

Total liabilities and equity

 

$

182,743,604 

 

$

183,939,272 



1Par value $0.01; authorized: 2021 - 10,000,000 shares and 202010,000,000 shares; issued: 20213,500,000 shares and 20203,500,000 shares; outstanding: 2021  3,295,255 and 2020 - 3,291,125 shares.

22021204,745 shares and 2020208,875 shares

32021  –252,032 shares and 2020  –257,811 shares



See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

~  3  ~


 



ICC Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Earnings (Unaudited)







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

For the Three-Months Ended



 

March 31,



 

2021

 

2020

Net premiums earned

 

$

12,048,713 

 

$

13,013,989 

Net investment income

 

 

801,406 

 

 

835,400 

Net realized investment gains

 

 

186,709 

 

 

95,632 

Net unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities

 

 

876,316 

 

 

(3,689,347)

Other income

 

 

46,716 

 

 

50,198 

Consolidated revenues

 

 

13,959,860 

 

 

10,305,872 

Losses and settlement expenses

 

 

7,802,706 

 

 

7,842,082 

Policy acquisition costs and other operating expenses

 

 

4,467,578 

 

 

4,764,974 

Interest expense on debt

 

 

53,702 

 

 

35,328 

General corporate expenses

 

 

163,982 

 

 

174,421 

Total expenses

 

 

12,487,968 

 

 

12,816,805 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

 

1,471,892 

 

 

(2,510,933)

Total income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

309,951 

 

 

(537,637)

Net earnings (loss)

 

$

1,161,941 

 

$

(1,973,296)



 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

 

 

(2,226,522)

 

 

(1,710,846)

Comprehensive loss

 

$

(1,064,581)

 

$

(3,684,142)



 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net earnings (loss) per share

 

$

0.38 

 

$

(0.65)

Diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted net earnings (loss) per share

 

$

0.38 

 

$

(0.65)



 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

3,034,233 

 

 

3,016,062 

Diluted

 

 

3,044,479 

 

 

3,020,458 



See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

~  4  ~


 

ICC Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Unaudited)









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Common stock

Treasury stock

 

Unearned ESOP

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

Retained
earnings

 

Accumulated
other
comprehensive
earnings (loss)

 

Total equity

Balance, January 1, 2020

 

$

35,000 

 

$

(3,146,576)

 

$

(2,812,485)

 

$

32,703,209 

 

$

36,608,750 

 

$

2,953,936 

 

$

66,341,834 

Net (loss)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(1,973,296)

 

 

 —

 

 

(1,973,296)

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(1,710,846)

 

 

(1,710,846)

Restricted stock unit expense

 

 

 —

 

 

99,467 

 

 

 —

 

 

(62,540)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

36,927 

ESOP compensation expense

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

58,272 

 

 

17,496 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

75,768 

Balance, March 31, 2020

 

$

35,000 

 

$

(3,047,109)

 

$

(2,754,213)

 

$

32,658,165 

 

$

34,635,454 

 

$

1,243,090 

 

$

62,770,387 









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Common stock

 

Treasury stock

 

Unearned ESOP

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

Retained
earnings

 

Accumulated
other
comprehensive
earnings (loss)

 

Total equity

Balance, January 1, 2021

 

$

35,000 

 

$

(3,153,838)

 

$

(2,578,115)

 

$

32,780,436 

 

$

40,140,115 

 

$

5,520,091 

 

$

72,743,689 

Purchase of treasury stock

 

 

 —

 

 

(19,174)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(19,174)

Net earnings

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

1,161,941 

 

 

 —

 

 

1,161,941 

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(2,226,522)

 

 

(2,226,522)

Restricted stock unit expense

 

 

 —

 

 

77,947 

 

 —

 

 

(39,831)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

38,116 

ESOP compensation expense

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

57,790 

 

 

24,960 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

82,750 

Balance, March 31, 2021

 

$

35,000 

 

$

(3,095,065)

 

$

(2,520,325)

 

$

32,765,565 

 

$

41,302,055 

 

$

3,293,569 

 

$

71,780,799 



1Amount represents restricted stock units that have fully vested in the period



See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

~  5  ~


 

ICC Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)







 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 



Three-Month Periods Ended March 31,



2021

 

2020

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

$

1,161,941 

 

$

(1,973,296)

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized investment gains

 

(186,709)

 

 

(95,632)

Net unrealized (gains) losses on equity securities

 

(876,316)

 

 

3,689,347 

Depreciation

 

159,680 

 

 

167,079 

Deferred income tax

 

271,546 

 

 

(776,673)

Amortization of bond premium and discount

 

67,997 

 

 

46,198 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

120,866 

 

 

112,695 

Change in:

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued investment income

 

(39,360)

 

 

(49,265)

Premiums and reinsurance balances receivable

 

908,120 

 

 

145,030 

Ceded unearned premiums

 

(1,009)

 

 

16,232 

Reinsurance balances payable

 

(23,689)

 

 

(22,323)

Reinsurance balances recoverable

 

(991,294)

 

 

(282,252)

Deferred policy acquisition costs

 

(291,657)

 

 

(111,309)

Unpaid losses and settlement expenses

 

232,302 

 

 

1,435,349 

Unearned premiums

 

679,060 

 

 

(575,696)

Accrued expenses

 

(450,758)

 

 

(1,249,696)

Current federal income tax

 

34,078 

 

 

3,497 

Other

 

(292,180)

 

 

(316,700)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

482,618 

 

 

162,585 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of:

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale

 

(2,494,500)

 

 

(5,105,043)

Common stocks

 

(3,310,389)

 

 

(592,329)

Preferred stocks

 

(81,953)

 

 

(1,548,172)

Other invested assets

 

 —

 

 

(821,500)

Property held for investment

 

(30,018)

 

 

(28,573)

Property and equipment

 

(80,497)

 

 

(108,096)

Proceeds from sales, maturities and calls of:

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale

 

3,484,432 

 

 

3,802,593 

Common stocks

 

687,015 

 

 

524,818 

Preferred stocks

 

78,469 

 

 

91,838 

Property held for investment

 

243,588 

 

 

 —

Property and equipment

 

1,007 

 

 

3,835 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(1,502,846)

 

 

(3,780,629)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from loans

 

 —

 

 

6,000,000 

Repayments of borrowed funds

 

(2,961)

 

 

(2,522)

Purchase of treasury stock

 

(19,174)

 

 

 —

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

 

(22,135)

 

 

5,997,478 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

(1,042,363)

 

 

2,379,434 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

 

6,598,842 

 

 

6,626,585 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$

5,556,479 

 

$

9,006,019 

Supplemental information:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest paid

$

52,600 

 

$

35,300 



See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

~  6  ~


 

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements



1.     SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES



A.     DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS



ICC Holdings, Inc. is a Pennsylvania corporation that was organized in 2016. As used in this Form 10-Q, references to the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to the consolidated group. On a stand-alone basis ICC Holdings, Inc. is referred to as the “Parent Company.” The consolidated group consists of the holding company, ICC Holdings, Inc.; ICC Realty, LLC, a real estate services and holding company; Beverage Insurance Agency, Inc., a non-insurance subsidiary; Estrella Innovative Solutions, Inc., an outsourcing company; and Illinois Casualty Company (ICC), an operating insurance company that is the parent company of ICC Properties, LLC, a real estate series limited liability company.  Both ICC and ICC Properties, LLC are Illinois domiciled companies.



We are a specialty insurance carrier primarily underwriting commercial multi-peril, liquor liability, workers’ compensation, and umbrella liability coverages for the food and beverage industry through our subsidiary insurance company, ICC. ICC writes business in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin and markets through independent agents. Approximately 24.8% and 26.5% of the premium is written in Illinois for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company operates as a single segment.



B.     PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION



The unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial reporting and with the instructions to Form 10-Q.  Accordingly, they do not include all the disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements.  As such, these unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2020 (the “2020 10-K”). Management believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading, and all normal and recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position at March 31, 2021, and the results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries for all periods presented have been made. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for a full year.



The preparation of the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions relating to the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. These amounts are inherently subject to change and actual results could differ significantly from these estimates.



C.     SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES



The Company reported its significant accounting policies in the 2020 10-K.





D.     PROSPECTIVE ACCOUNTING STANDARDS



For information regarding accounting standards that the Company has not yet adopted, see the “Prospective Accounting Standards” in Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the 2020 10-K. The Company maintains its status as an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”). We have taken advantage of the extended transition period provided by Section 107 of the JOBS Act. We decided to comply with the effective dates for financial accounting standards applicable to emerging growth companies later in compliance with the requirements in Sections 107(b)(2) and (3) of the JOBS Act. Such decision is irrevocable. 



~  7  ~


 

E.     PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT



Annually, the Company reviews the major asset classes of property and equipment held for impairment. For the periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized no impairments.  Property and equipment are summarized as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

As of



 

March 31,

 

December 31,



 

2021

 

2020

Automobiles

 

$

530,723 

 

$

530,722 

Furniture and fixtures

 

 

488,642 

 

 

491,766 

Computer equipment and software

 

 

4,046,770 

 

 

3,971,272 

Home office

 

 

3,948,766 

 

 

3,946,299 

Total cost

 

 

9,014,901 

 

 

8,940,059 

Accumulated depreciation

 

 

(6,196,657)

 

 

(6,079,728)

Net property and equipment

 

$

2,818,244 

 

$

2,860,331 



F.     COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS



Comprehensive earnings (loss) include net earnings (loss) plus unrealized (gains) losses on available-for-sale investment securities, net of tax. In reporting the components of comprehensive earnings on a net basis in the statement of earnings, the Company used a 21% tax rate. Other comprehensive earnings, as shown in the consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive earnings, is net of tax (benefit) of  $(591,860) and $(454,782) for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.



The following table presents changes in accumulated other comprehensive earnings for unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Three-Months Ended March 31,

 



 

2021

 

2020

 

Beginning balance

 

$

5,520,091 

 

$

2,953,936 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss before reclassification

 

 

(2,225,503)

 

 

(1,526,960)

 

Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 

(1,019)

 

 

(183,886)

 

Net current period other comprehensive loss

 

 

(2,226,522)

 

 

(1,710,846)

 

Ending balance

 

$

3,293,569 

 

$

1,243,090 

 



The following table illustrates the components of other comprehensive earnings for each period presented in the condensed consolidated interim financial statements.





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Three-Month Periods Ended March 31,



 

2021

 

2020



 

Pre-tax

 

Tax

 

After-tax

 

Pre-tax

 

Tax

 

After-tax

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized gains and losses on AFS investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized holding losses arising during the period

 

$

(2,817,092)

 

$

591,589 

 

$

(2,225,503)

 

$

(1,932,861)

 

$

405,901 

 

$

(1,526,960)

Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net earnings

 

 

(1,290)

 

 

271 

 

 

(1,019)

 

 

(232,767)

 

 

48,881 

 

 

(183,886)

Total other comprehensive loss

 

$

(2,818,382)

 

$

591,860 

 

$

(2,226,522)

 

$

(2,165,628)

 

$

454,782 

 

$

(1,710,846)



~  8  ~


 





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The following table provides the reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive earnings for the periods presented:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts Reclassified from

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Earnings



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Three-Month Periods Ended

 

 

Details about Accumulated Other

 

March 31,

 

Affected Line Item in the Statement

Comprehensive Earnings Component

 

2021

 

2020

 

where Net Earnings is Presented

Unrealized (gains) on AFS investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

$

(1,290)

 

$

(232,767)

 

Net realized investment (gains)



 

 

271 

 

 

48,881 

 

Income tax expense

Total reclassification adjustment, net of tax

 

$

(1,019)

 

$

(183,886)

 

 

 

G.     RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES



Certain risks and uncertainties are inherent to our day-to-day operations. Adverse changes in the economy could lower demand for our insurance products or negatively impact our investment results, both of which could have an adverse effect on the revenue and profitability of our operations. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in, and could continue to result in, significant disruptions in economic activity and financial markets. The cumulative effects of COVID-19 on the Company, and the effect of any other public health outbreak, cannot be predicted, but could reduce demand for our insurance policies, result in increased level of losses, settlement expenses or other operating costs, or reduce the market value of invested assets held by the Company.



2.     INVESTMENTS



The Company’s investments are primarily composed of fixed income debt securities and common and preferred stock equity securities. We carry our equity securities at fair value and categorize all our fixed maturity debt securities as available-for-sale (AFS), which are carried at fair value. When available, quoted market prices are obtained to determine fair value for the Company’s investments. If a quoted market price is not available, fair value is estimated using a secondary pricing source or using quoted market prices of similar securities. The Company has no investment securities for which fair value is determined using Level 3 inputs as defined in Note 3 – Fair Value Disclosures. Realized gains and losses on disposition of investments are based on specific identification of the investments sold on the settlement date, which does not differ significantly from trade date accounting.



Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities



The following tables are a summary of the proceeds from sales, maturities, and calls of AFS fixed maturity and equity securities and the related gross realized gains and losses.







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

For the Three-Months Ended March 31,



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Realized



 

Proceeds

 

Gains

 

Losses

 

Gains (Losses)

2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities

 

$

3,484,432 

 

$

1,319 

 

$

(29)

 

$

1,290 

Common stocks

 

 

687,015 

 

 

212,361 

 

 

(32,397)

 

 

179,964 

Preferred stocks

 

 

78,469 

 

 

5,455 

 

 

 —

 

 

5,455 

2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities

 

$

3,802,593 

 

$

233,693 

 

$

(926)

 

$

232,767 

Common stocks

 

 

524,818 

 

 

47,126 

 

 

(173,499)

 

 

(126,373)

Preferred stocks

 

 

91,838 

 

 

 —

 

 

(10,762)

 

 

(10,762)



~  9  ~


 







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed income securities at March 31, 2021, by contractual maturity, are shown as follows:





 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Amortized Cost

 

Fair Value

Due in one year or less

 

$

1,849,923 

 

$

1,888,670 

Due after one year through five years

 

 

20,417,844 

 

 

21,645,715 

Due after five years through 10 years

 

 

15,114,224 

 

 

16,148,886 

Due after 10 years

 

 

21,536,839 

 

 

22,722,744 

Asset and mortgage backed securities without a specific due date

 

 

38,561,248 

 

 

39,224,101 

Redeemable preferred stocks

 

 

215,805 

 

 

234,923 

Total fixed maturity securities

 

$

97,695,883 

 

$

101,865,040 



Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to call provisions on some existing securities.



The following table is a schedule of cost or amortized cost and estimated fair values of investments in securities classified as available for sale at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020:  









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Unrealized



 

Amortized Cost

 

Fair Value

 

Gains

 

Losses

2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury

 

$

1,352,581 

 

$

1,364,297 

 

$

23,227 

 

$

(11,511)

MBS/ABS/CMBS

 

 

38,561,248 

 

 

39,224,101 

 

 

977,305 

 

 

(314,452)

Corporate

 

 

40,104,876 

 

 

42,735,613 

 

 

2,835,297 

 

 

(204,560)

Municipal

 

 

17,461,373 

 

 

18,306,106 

 

 

955,785 

 

 

(111,052)

Redeemable preferred stock

 

 

215,805 

 

 

234,923 

 

 

19,118 

 

 

 —

Total fixed maturity securities

 

$

97,695,883 

 

$

101,865,040 

 

$

4,810,732 

 

$

(641,575)







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Unrealized



 

Amortized Cost

 

Fair Value

 

Gains

 

Losses

2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury

 

$

1,352,758 

 

$

1,385,406 

 

$

33,336 

 

$

(688)

MBS/ABS/CMBS

 

 

40,509,172 

 

 

41,743,304 

 

 

1,367,411 

 

 

(133,279)

Corporate

 

 

39,186,671 

 

 

43,580,743 

 

 

4,429,000 

 

 

(34,928)

Municipal

 

 

17,488,621 

 

 

18,788,674 

 

 

1,316,358 

 

 

(16,305)

Redeemable preferred stock

 

 

215,805 

 

 

242,439 

 

 

26,634 

 

 

 —

Total fixed maturity securities

 

$

98,753,027 

 

$

105,740,566 

 

$

7,172,739 

 

$

(185,200)



All the Company’s collateralized securities carry an average credit rating of AA+ by one or more major rating agencies and continue to pay according to contractual terms. Included within MBS/ABS/CMBS, as defined in Note 3 – Fair Value Disclosures, are residential mortgage backed securities with fair values of $14,865,024 and $16,220,343 and commercial mortgage backed securities of $12,452,036 and $12,721,455 at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.  

~  10  ~


 

ANALYSIS



The following tables are also used as part of the impairment analysis and displays the total value of securities that were in an unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. The tables segregate the securities based on type, noting the fair value, cost or amortized cost, and unrealized loss on each category of investment as well as in total. The table further classifies the securities based on the length of time they have been in an unrealized loss position.







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

March 31, 2021

 

December 31, 2020



 

 

 

 

12 Months

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12 Months

 

 

 



 

< 12 Months

 

& Greater

 

Total

 

< 12 Months

 

& Greater

 

Total

Fixed Maturity Securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value

 

$

689,063 

 

$

 —

 

$

689,063 

 

$

299,391 

 

$

 —

 

$

299,391 

Amortized cost

 

 

700,574 

 

 

 —

 

 

700,574 

 

 

300,078 

 

 

 —

 

 

300,078 

Unrealized loss

 

 

(11,511)

 

 

 —

 

 

(11,511)

 

 

(688)

 

 

 —

 

 

(688)

MBS/ABS/CMBS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value

 

 

7,512,704 

 

 

1,820,824 

 

 

9,333,528 

 

 

7,120,339 

 

 

2,010,434 

 

 

9,130,773 

Amortized cost

 

 

7,711,500 

 

 

1,936,480 

 

 

9,647,980 

 

 

7,236,360 

 

 

2,027,692 

 

 

9,264,052 

Unrealized loss

 

 

(198,796)

 

 

(115,656)

 

 

(314,452)

 

 

(116,021)

 

 

(17,258)

 

 

(133,279)

Corporate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value

 

 

6,201,266 

 

 

233,125 

 

 

6,434,391 

 

 

1,739,691 

 

 

 —

 

 

1,739,691 

Amortized cost

 

 

6,390,010 

 

 

248,941 

 

 

6,638,951 

 

 

1,774,619 

 

 

 —

 

 

1,774,619 

Unrealized loss

 

 

(188,744)

 

 

(15,816)

 

 

(204,560)

 

 

(34,928)

 

 

 —

 

 

(34,928)

Municipal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value

 

 

3,457,673 

 

 

245,545 

 

 

3,703,218 

 

 

756,678 

 

 

 —

 

 

756,678 

Amortized cost

 

 

3,565,111 

 

 

249,159 

 

 

3,814,270 

 

 

772,984 

 

 

 —

 

 

772,984 

Unrealized loss

 

 

(107,438)

 

 

(3,614)

 

 

(111,052)

 

 

(16,306)

 

 

 —

 

 

(16,306)

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value

 

 

17,860,706 

 

 

2,299,494 

 

 

20,160,200 

 

 

9,916,099 

 

 

2,010,434 

 

 

11,926,533 

Amortized cost

 

 

18,367,195 

 

 

2,434,580 

 

 

20,801,775 

 

 

10,084,041 

 

 

2,027,692 

 

 

12,111,733 

Unrealized loss

 

$

(506,489)

 

$

(135,086)

 

$

(641,575)

 

$

(167,942)

 

$

(17,258)

 

$

(185,200)



The fixed income portfolio contained 43 securities in an unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2021. Of these 43 securities, 6 have been in an unrealized loss position for 12 consecutive months or longer and represent $135,086 in unrealized losses. All fixed income securities in the investment portfolio continue to pay the expected coupon payments under the contractual terms of the securities. Credit-related impairments on fixed income securities that we do not plan to sell, and for which we are not more likely than not to be required to sell, are recognized in net earnings. Any non-credit related impairment is recognized in comprehensive earnings. Based on management’s analysis, the fixed income portfolio is of a high credit quality and it is believed it will recover the amortized cost basis of the fixed income securities. Management monitors the credit quality of the fixed income investments to assess if it is probable that the Company will receive its contractual or estimated cash flows in the form of principal and interest.



There were no other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in net earnings during the first three months ended March 31, 2021. For all fixed income securities at a loss at March 31, 2021, management believes it is probable that the Company will receive all contractual payments in the form of principal and interest. In addition, the Company is not required to, nor does it intend to sell these investments prior to recovering the entire amortized cost basis for each security, which may be at maturity. The fixed income securities in an unrealized loss position were not other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2019.



UNREALIZED GAINS AND LOSSES ON EQUITY SECURITIES



Net unrealized gains for the three months ended March 31, 2021 for equity securities held as of March 31, 2021  were $876,316. Net unrealized (losses) for the three months ended March 31, 2020 for equity securities held as of March 31, 2020 were $(3,689,347).



Other Invested Assets



Other invested assets include membership in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBC), which occurred in February 2018. Our $200,000 investment in FHLBC stock is carried at cost. Due to the nature of our membership in the FHLBC, the carrying amount approximates fair value.



In addition, other invested assets include privately held investments of $204,400, and notes issued. Two of the notes, issued for $625,000 and $650,000 on July 30, 2019 and January 28, 2020, respectively,  bear interest at 6.5% and are amortized over 20 years with a balloon payment due July 30, 2029. A third note issued for $94,000 on October 30, 2020, bears interest at 6.0% and is amortized over 29 years with monthly payments due beginning July 31, 2021. As of March 31, 2021, this note has

~  11  ~


 

$4,000 in accrued escrow and interest receivable. The Company had no allowance recorded related to uncollectible notes receivables at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.



3.     FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES



Fair value is defined as the price in the principal market that would be received for an asset to facilitate an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The fair value of certain financial instruments is determined based on their underlying characteristics and relevant transactions in the marketplace. GAAP guidance requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The guidance also describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value.



The following are the levels of the fair value hierarchy and a brief description of the type of valuation inputs that are used to establish each level:



·

Level 1 is applied to valuations based on readily available, unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.



·

Level 2 is applied to valuations based upon quoted prices for similar assets in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets in inactive markets; or valuations based on models where the significant inputs are observable (e.g. interest rates, yield curves, prepayment speeds, default rates, loss severities) or can be corroborated by observable market data.



·

Level 3 is applied to valuations that are derived from techniques in which one or more of the significant inputs are unobservable. Financial assets are classified based upon the lowest level of significant input that is used to determine fair value.



As a part of the process to determine fair value, management utilizes widely recognized, third-party pricing sources to determine fair values. Management has obtained an understanding of the third-party pricing sources’ valuation methodologies and inputs. The following is a description of the valuation techniques used for financial assets that are measured at fair value, including the general classification of such assets pursuant to the fair value hierarchy.



Corporate, Agencies, and Municipal Bonds—The pricing vendor employs a multi-dimensional model which uses standard inputs including (listed in order of priority for use) benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, market bids/offers and other reference data. The pricing vendor also monitors market indicators, as well as industry and economic events. All bonds valued using these techniques are classified as Level 2. All Corporate, Agencies, and Municipal securities are deemed Level 2.



Mortgage-backed Securities (MBS), Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (CMO), Commercial Mortgage-backed Securities (CMBS) and Asset-backed Securities (ABS)—The pricing vendor evaluation methodology includes principally interest rate movements and new issue data. Evaluation of the tranches (non-volatile, volatile, or credit sensitivity) is based on the pricing vendors’ interpretation of accepted modeling and pricing conventions. This information is then used to determine the cash flows for each tranche, benchmark yields, pre-payment assumptions and to incorporate collateral performance. To evaluate CMO volatility, an option adjusted spread model is used in combination with models that simulate interest rate paths to determine market price information. This process allows the pricing vendor to obtain evaluations of a broad universe of securities in a way that reflects changes in yield curve, index rates, implied volatility, mortgage rates, and recent trade activity. MBS, CMBS, CMO and ABS with corroborated and observable inputs are classified as Level 2. All MBS, CMBS, CMO and ABS holdings are deemed Level 2.



U.S. Treasury Bonds, Common Stocks and Exchange Traded Funds—U.S. treasury bonds and exchange traded equities have readily observable price levels and are classified as Level 1 (fair value based on quoted market prices). All common stock holdings are deemed Level 1.



Preferred Stock—Preferred stocks do not have readily observable prices, but do have quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active; and inputs other than quoted prices and are classified as Level 2. All preferred stock holdings are deemed Level 2.



Due to the relatively short-term nature of cash and cash equivalents, their carrying amounts are reasonable estimates of fair value. Other invested assets as well as debt obligations are carried at face value and given that there is no readily available market for these to trade in, management believes that face value accurately reflects fair value.



~  12  ~


 

Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2021, are summarized below:







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Significant

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Quoted in Active

 

Other

 

Significant

 

 

 



 

Markets for

 

Observable

 

Unobservable

 

 

 



 

Identical Assets

 

Inputs

 

Inputs

 

 

 



 

(Level 1)

 

(Level 2)

 

(Level 3)

 

Total

AFS securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. treasury

 

$

1,364,297 

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

1,364,297 

MBS/ABS/CMBS

 

 

 —

 

 

39,224,101 

 

 

 —

 

 

39,224,101 

Corporate

 

 

 —

 

 

42,735,612 

 

 

 —

 

 

42,735,612 

Municipal

 

 

 —

 

 

18,306,106 

 

 

 —

 

 

18,306,106 

Redeemable preferred stocks

 

 

 —

 

 

234,923 

 

 

 —

 

 

234,923 

Total fixed maturity securities

 

 

1,364,297 

 

 

100,500,743 

 

 

 —

 

 

101,865,040 

Equity securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stocks

 

 

18,404,167 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

18,404,167 

Perpetual preferred stocks

 

 

 —

 

 

1,654,530 

 

 

 —

 

 

1,654,530 

Total equity securities

 

 

18,404,167 

 

 

1,654,530 

 

 

 —

 

 

20,058,697 

Total marketable investments measured at fair value

 

$

19,768,464 

 

$

102,155,273 

 

$

 —

 

$

121,923,737 



Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2020, are summarized below:







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Significant

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Quoted in Active

 

Other

 

Significant

 

 

 



 

Markets for

 

Observable

 

Unobservable

 

 

 



 

Identical Assets

 

Inputs

 

Inputs

 

 

 



 

(Level 1)

 

(Level 2)

 

(Level 3)

 

Total

AFS securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed maturity securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. treasury

 

$

1,385,406 

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

1,385,406 

MBS/ABS/CMBS

 

 

 —

 

 

41,743,304 

 

 

 —

 

 

41,743,304 

Corporate

 

 

 —

 

 

43,580,743 

 

 

 —

 

 

43,580,743 

Municipal

 

 

 —

 

 

18,788,674 

 

 

 —

 

 

18,788,674 

Redeemable preferred stocks

 

 

 —

 

 

242,439 

 

 

 —

 

 

242,439 

Total fixed maturity securities

 

 

1,385,406 

 

 

104,355,160 

 

 

 —

 

 

105,740,566 

Equity securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stocks

 

 

14,724,814 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

14,724,814 

Perpetual preferred stocks

 

 

 —

 

 

1,683,892 

 

 

 —

 

 

1,683,892 

Total equity securities

 

 

14,724,814 

 

 

1,683,892 

 

 

 —

 

 

16,408,706 

Total marketable investments measured at fair value

 

$

16,110,220 

 

$

106,039,052 

 

$

 —

 

$

122,149,272 



As noted in the previous tables, the Company did not have any assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. Additionally, there were no securities transferred in or out of Levels 1 or 2 during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.

 

~  13  ~


 

4.     DEBT



Debt Obligation



ICC Holdings, Inc. secured a loan with a commercial bank in March 2017 in the amount of $3.5 million and used the proceeds to repay ICC for the money borrowed by the ESOP. The term of the loan is five years bearing interest at 3.65%. The Company pledged stock and $1.0 million of marketable assets as collateral for the loan.



The Company also has borrowing capacity up to approximately $37 million in the aggregate from its membership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBC).



As part of the Company’s response to COVID-19, the Company obtained, in March 2020, a $6.0 million loan from the FHLBC as a precautionary measure to increase its cash position,  to provide increased liquidity, and to compensate for potential reductions in premium receivable collections. The term of the loan is five years bearing interest at 1.4%. The Company pledged $6.8 million of fixed income securities as collateral for this loan. The Company also obtained, in May 2020, a $4.0 million 0% interest, one-year loan from the FHLBC as an additional precautionary measure to increase its cash position,  to provide increased liquidity, and to compensate for potential reductions in premium receivable collections as a result of the Company’s announcement in March 2020 to temporarily suspend all insurance premium billing for 30 days. The Company pledged an additional $7.4 million of fixed income securities as collateral for both FHLBC loans.



The total balance of the debt agreements at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 was $13,462,614 and $13,465,574, respectively. The average interest rate on remaining debt was 1.6% as of March 31, 2021 and 2.2% as of December 31, 2020.  



On July 30, 2020, the Company secured through FHLBC a fixed 0.74% borrowing rate for a future $4.0 million loan becomes effective May 3, 2021, upon the maturity of the existing $4.0 million FHLBC loan.  No collateral was pledged for this forward advance.



Revolving Line of Credit



We maintained a revolving line of credit with a commercial bank, which permitted borrowing up to an aggregate principal amount of $1.75 million. This facility was initially entered into during 2013 and expired August 5, 2020. The line of credit was priced at 30-day LIBOR plus 2% with a floor of 3.5%.  In order to secure the lowest rate possible, the Company pledged marketable securities not to exceed $5.0 million in the event the Company would draw down on the line of credit. There are no financial covenants governing this agreement.



Effective August 3, 2020, the Company replaced its expiring line of credit with a $2.0 million revolving line of credit with another commercial bank, which renews annually and has a current expiration date of August 3, 2021.  This new line of credit is priced at Prime plus 0.5%. The Company pledged $2.0 million of business assets in the event the Company draws down on the line of credit.  There are no financial covenants governing this agreement.



There was no interest paid on these lines of credit during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.

 

5.     REINSURANCE



In the ordinary course of business, the Company assumes and cedes premiums and selected insured risks with other insurance companies, known as reinsurance. A large portion of the reinsurance is put into effect under contracts known as treaties and, in some instances, by negotiation on each individual risk (known as facultative reinsurance). In addition, there are several types of treaties including quota share, excess of loss and catastrophe reinsurance contracts that protect against losses over stipulated amounts arising from any one occurrence or event. The arrangements allow the Company to pursue greater diversification of business and serve to limit the maximum net loss to a single event, such as a catastrophe. Through the quantification of exposed policy limits in each region and the extensive use of computer-assisted modeling techniques, management monitors the concentration of risks exposed to catastrophic events.



Through the purchase of reinsurance, the Company also generally limits its net loss on any individual risk to a maximum of $1,000,000 for casualty and workers’ compensation business and $750,000 for property, although certain treaties contain an annual aggregate deductible before reinsurance applies.

~  14  ~


 



Premiums, written and earned, along with losses and settlement expenses incurred for the periods presented is summarized as follows:









 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Three-Month Periods Ended March 31,



 

2021

 

2020

WRITTEN

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct

 

$

15,172,035 

 

$

14,794,534 

Reinsurance assumed

 

 

27,898 

 

 

37,534 

Reinsurance ceded

 

 

(2,473,168)

 

 

(2,377,544)

Net

 

$

12,726,765 

 

$

12,454,524 

EARNED

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct

 

$

14,482,050 

 

$

15,362,814 

Reinsurance assumed

 

 

38,822 

 

 

44,950 

Reinsurance ceded

 

 

(2,472,159)

 

 

(2,393,775)

Net

 

$

12,048,713 

 

$

13,013,989 

LOSS AND SETTLEMENT EXPENSES INCURRED

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct

 

$

10,767,434 

 

$

8,761,679 

Reinsurance assumed

 

 

25,445 

 

 

26,518 

Reinsurance ceded

 

 

(2,990,173)

 

 

(946,115)

Net

 

$

7,802,706 

 

$

7,842,082 













6.     UNPAID LOSSES AND SETTLEMENT EXPENSES



The following table is a reconciliation of the Company’s unpaid losses and settlement expenses:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

For the Three-Months Ended

 

 

March 31,

(In thousands)

 

2021

 

2020

Unpaid losses and settlement expense - beginning of the period:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

$

61,576 

 

$

56,838 

Less: Ceded

 

 

13,020 

 

 

11,036 

Net

 

 

48,556 

 

 

45,802 

Increase in incurred losses and settlement expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current year

 

 

7,142 

 

 

6,245 

Prior years

 

 

661 

 

 

1,597 

Total incurred

 

 

7,803 

 

 

7,842 

Deduct: Loss and settlement expense payments for claims incurred:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current year

 

 

1,288 

 

 

1,204 

Prior years

 

 

7,274 

 

 

5,484 

Total paid

 

 

8,562 

 

 

6,688 

Net unpaid losses and settlement expense - end of the period

 

 

47,797 

 

 

46,956 

Plus: Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

 

 

14,011 

 

 

11,318 

Gross unpaid losses and settlement expense - end of the period

 

$

61,808 

 

$

58,274 

 

Net unpaid losses and settlement expense increased $841,000, or 1.8%, in the three months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to the same period in 2020. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, we experienced unfavorable development of $661,000 and $1,597,000, respectively. The unfavorable development for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was primarily driven by the Workers’ Compensation line of business. Business Owners Liability and Business Owners Property lines of business were the primary drivers of adverse development for the three months ended March 31, 2020.  



~  15  ~


 

7.     INCOME TAXES



The Company’s effective tax rate for the three month period ended March 31, 2021,  was 21.1%, compared to 21.4% for the same period in 2020. Effective rates are dependent upon components of pretax earnings and the related tax effects.



Income tax expense for the three month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, differed from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal tax rate of 21% to pretax income from continuing operations as demonstrated in the following table:







 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 



 

For the Three-Months Ended



 

March 31,



 

2021

 

2020

Provision for income taxes at the statutory federal tax rates

 

$

309,097 

 

$

(527,296)

Increase (reduction) in taxes resulting from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends received deduction

 

 

(8,108)

 

 

(6,535)

Tax-exempt interest income

 

 

(14,794)

 

 

(15,480)

Proration of tax-exempt interest and dividends received deduction

 

 

5,564 

 

 

5,368 

Nondeductible expenses

 

 

18,026 

 

 

5,503 

Officer life insurance, net

 

 

166 

 

 

803 

Total

 

$

309,951 

 

$

(537,637)



Management believes it is more likely than not that all deferred tax assets will be recovered as the result of future operations, which will generate sufficient taxable income to realize the deferred tax asset.



As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company does not have any capital or operating loss carryforwards. Periods still subject to IRS audit include 2017 through current year. There are currently no open tax exams.

 

8.     EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 



ESOP



In connection with our conversion and public offering, we established an ESOP. The ESOP borrowed from the Company to purchase 350,000 shares in the offering. The issuance of the shares to the ESOP resulted in a contra account established in the equity section of the balance sheet for the unallocated shares at an amount equal to their $10.00 per share purchase price.



The Company may make discretionary contributions to the ESOP and pay dividends on unallocated shares to the ESOP. ICC makes annual contributions to the ESOP sufficient to repay the loan. When loan payments are made, ESOP shares are allocated to participants based on relative compensation.  No contributions to the ESOP were made during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

A compensation expense charge is booked monthly during each year for the shares committed to be allocated to participants that year, determined with reference to the fair market value of our stock at the time the commitment to allocate the shares is accrued and recognized. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, we recognized compensation expense of $82,750 related to 5,779 shares of our common stock that are committed to be released to participants’ accounts at December 31, 2021. Of the 5,779 shares committed to be released, 1,991 shares were committed on March 31, 2021 and had no impact on the weighted average common shares outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2021. For the three months ended March 31, 2020, we recognized compensation expense of $75,768 related to 5,827 shares of our common stock that were committed to be released to participants’ accounts at December 31, 2020. Of the 5,827 shares committed to be released at December 31, 2020,  1,985 shares were committed on March 31, 2020 and had no impact on the weighted average common shares outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2020.   



RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS



Restricted stock units (RSUs) were granted for the first time in February 2018 with additional RSUs granted in March 2019 and April 2020. RSUs have a grant date value equal to the closing price of the Company’s stock on the dates the shares are granted. The RSUs vest 1/3 over three years from the date of grant.



As of March 31, 2021,  18,040,  13,071, and 11,700 RSUs have been granted at a fair market value of $11.03,  $13.70, and $15.10, respectively. We recognized $38,116 and $36,928 of expense on these units in the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Total unrecognized compensation expense relating to outstanding and unvested RSUs was $181,863 as of March 31, 2021, which will be recognized over the remainder of their respective three-year vesting periods.



~  16  ~


 

9.     SUBSEQUENT EVENTS



Subsequent events have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were issued.



The Company granted on April 1, 2021 15,000 RSUs to members of executive staff.



The $4.0 million FHLBC loan, obtained in May 2020, matured on May 3, 2021. On this date, a new FHLBC $4.0 million loan became effective. This loan agreement was arranged in July 2020.  See Note 4 - Debt for more information.



~  17  ~


 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations



The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Reform Act”) provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of ICC Holdings, Inc. ICC Holdings, Inc. and its representatives may, from time to time, make written or verbal forward-looking statements, including statements contained in ICC Holdings, Inc.'s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and its reports to shareholders. Generally, the inclusion of the words “anticipates,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “future,” “intend,” “estimate,” “may,” “plans,” “seek”, “will,” or the negative of such terms and similar expressions identify statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that are intended to come within the safe harbor protection provided by those sections. All statements addressing operating performance, events, or developments that ICC Holdings, Inc. expects or anticipates will occur in the future, including statements relating to sales growth, earnings or earnings per share growth, and market share, as well as statements expressing optimism or pessimism about future operating results, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Reform Act. The forward-looking statements are and will be based on management’s then-current beliefs and assumptions regarding future events and operating performance and on information currently available to management, and are applicable only as of the dates of such statements.

 

Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, among other things, the factors discussed under the heading “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of ICC Holdings, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and those listed below. Although we do not make forward-looking statements unless we believe we have a reasonable basis for doing so, we cannot guarantee their accuracy. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements due to several uncertainties and risks, including the risks described in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and other unforeseen risks. Readers should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. These statements speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, even if subsequently made available by us on our website or otherwise, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise these statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

All of these factors are difficult to predict and many are beyond our control. These important factors include those discussed under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of ICC Holdings, Inc.’s 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K and those listed below:



·

the potential impact of fraud, operational errors, systems malfunctions, or cybersecurity incidents;

·

future economic conditions in the markets in which we compete that are less favorable than expected;

·

our ability to expand geographically;

·

the effects of weather-related and other catastrophic events, including those related to health emergencies and the spread of infectious diseases and pandemics;

·

the effect of legislative, judicial, economic, demographic and regulatory events in the jurisdictions where we do business, especially changes with respect to laws, regulations and judicial decisions relating to liquor liability;

·

our ability to enter new markets successfully and capitalize on growth opportunities either through acquisitions or the expansion of our producer network;

·

financial market conditions, including, but not limited to, changes in interest rates and the stock markets causing a reduction of investment income or investment gains and a reduction in the value of our investment portfolio;

·

heightened competition, including specifically the intensification of price competition, the entry of new competitors and the development of new products by new or existing competitors, resulting in a reduction in the demand for our products;

·

actual claims may exceed our best estimate of ultimate insurance losses incurred through March 31, 2021 resulting directly from the COVID19 pandemic and consequent economic crises;

·

our reserves at March 31, 2021 could change including as a result of, among other things, the impact of legislative or regulatory actions taken in response to COVID-19;

·

the continued impact of COVID-19 and related risks, including from shelter-in-place orders, unemployment, and the financial market volatility, could continue to adversely impact our results, including premiums written and investment income;

·

infection rates, severity of pandemics, including COVID-19, civil unrest and their effects on our business operations and claims activity, and any adverse impact to our insureds, brokers, agents, and employees;

·

the impact of acts of terrorism and acts of war;

·

the effects of terrorist related insurance legislation and laws;

·

changes in general economic conditions, including inflation, unemployment, interest rates and other factors;

·

the cost, availability and collectability of reinsurance;

·

estimates and adequacy of loss reserves and trends in loss and settlement expenses;

·

changes in the coverage terms selected by insurance customers, including higher limits;

·

our inability to obtain regulatory approval of, or to implement, premium rate increases;

·

our ability to obtain reinsurance coverage at reasonable prices or on terms that adequately protect us;

~  18  ~


 

·

the potential impact on our reported net income that could result from the adoption of future auditing or accounting standards issued by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board or the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other standard-setting bodies;

·

unanticipated changes in industry trends and ratings assigned by nationally recognized rating organizations;

·

adverse litigation or arbitration results;

·

litigation tactics and developments, including those related to business interruption claims; and

·

adverse changes in applicable laws, regulations or rules governing insurance holding companies and insurance companies, and environmental, tax or accounting matters including limitations on premium levels, increases in minimum capital and reserves, and other financial viability requirements, and changes that affect the cost of, or demand for our products.   



Because forward-looking information is subject to various risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from that expressed or implied by the forward-looking information.



All subsequent written and oral forward-looking information attributable to ICC Holdings, Inc. or any person acting on our behalf is expressly qualified in its entirety by the cautionary statement contained or referred to in this section.



Overview



ICC is a regional property and casualty insurance company incorporated in Illinois and focused exclusively on the food and beverage industry. On the effective date of the mutual-to-public company conversion, ICC became a wholly owned subsidiary of ICC Holdings, Inc.



For the three months ended March 31, 2021, we had direct written premiums of $15,172,000, net premiums earned of $12,049,000, and net earnings of $1,162,000. For the three months ended March 31, 2020, we had direct premiums written of $14,795,000, net premiums earned of $13,014,000, and net loss of $1,973,000. At March 31, 2021, we had total assets of $182,744,000 and equity of $71,781,000. At December 31, 2020, we had total assets of $183,939,000 and equity of $72,743,000.  In response to the ongoing novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, in March 2020, we temporarily suspended all insurance premium billing for at least 30 days, and, by August 2020, normal billing resumed in all states in which we operate.



We are an “emerging growth company” as defined in the JOBS Act, and we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not “emerging growth companies” including, but not limited to: not required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements; exemptions from the requirements of holding an annual non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation and nonbinding stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved.



In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act also provides that an “emerging growth company” can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. In other words, an “emerging growth company” can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We have taken advantage of the extended transition period provided by Section 107 of the JOBS Act. We decided to comply with the effective dates for financial accounting standards applicable to emerging growth companies later in compliance with the requirements in Sections 107(b)(2) and (3) of the JOBS Act. Such decision is irrevocable.

 

Principal Revenue and Expense Items



We derive our revenue primarily from premiums earned, net investment income and net realized and unrealized gains (losses) from investments.



Gross and net premiums written



Gross premiums written is equal to direct and assumed premiums before the effect of ceded reinsurance. Net premiums written is the difference between gross premiums written and premiums ceded or paid to reinsurers (ceded premiums written).



~  19  ~


 

Net premiums earned



Premiums earned is the earned portion of our net premiums written. Gross premiums written include all premiums recorded by an insurance company during a specified policy period. Insurance premiums on property and casualty insurance contracts are recognized in proportion to the underlying risk insured and are earned ratably over the duration of the policies. At the end of each accounting period, the portion of the premiums that is not yet earned is included in unearned premiums and is realized as revenue in subsequent periods over the remaining term of the policy. Our policies typically have a term of twelve months. Thus, for example, for a policy that is written on July 1, 2021, one-half of the premiums would be earned in 2021 and the other half would be earned in 2022.



Net investment income and net realized gains (losses) on investments



We invest our surplus and the funds supporting our insurance liabilities (including unearned premiums and unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses) in cash, cash equivalents, equities, fixed securities and real estate. Investment income includes interest and dividends earned on invested assets as well as rental income on investment properties. Net realized gains and losses on invested assets are reported separately from net investment income. We recognize realized gains when invested assets are sold for an amount greater than their cost or amortized cost (in the case of fixed securities) and recognize realized losses when investment securities are written down as a result of an other than temporary impairment or sold for an amount less than their cost or amortized cost, as applicable. We recognize in earnings the change in unrealized gains and losses on equity securities when our equity securities are trading at an amount greater than or less than their cost, respectively. Unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020 were $876,000 and $(3,689,000), respectively. Our portfolio of investment securities is managed by two independent third parties with managers specializing in the insurance industry.



ICC’s expenses consist primarily of:



Losses and settlement expenses



Losses and settlement expenses represent the largest expense item and include: (1) claim payments made, (2) estimates for future claim payments and changes in those estimates for prior periods, and (3) costs associated with investigating, defending and adjusting claims.



Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and other operating expenses



Expenses incurred to underwrite risks are referred to as policy acquisition expenses. Variable policy acquisition costs consist of commission expenses, premium taxes and certain other underwriting expenses that vary with and are primarily related to the writing and acquisition of new and renewal business. These policy acquisition costs are deferred and amortized over the effective period of the related insurance policies. Fixed policy acquisition costs are expensed as incurred. These costs include salaries, rent, office supplies, and depreciation. Other operating expenses consist primarily of information technology costs, accounting and internal control salaries, as well as audit and legal expenses.



Income taxes



We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Deferred income taxes arise from the recognition of temporary differences between financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of our assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The effect of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period of the enactment date.

 

Key Financial Measures



We evaluate our insurance operations by monitoring certain key measures of growth and profitability. In addition to reviewing our financial performance based on results determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP), we utilize certain operational financial measures that we believe are valuable in managing our business and for comparison to our peers. These operational measures are combined ratio, written premiums, underwriting income, the losses and settlement expense ratio, the expense ratio, the ratio of net written premiums to statutory surplus and return on average equity.



We measure growth by monitoring changes in gross premiums written and net premiums written. We measure underwriting profitability by examining losses and settlement expense, underwriting expense and combined ratios. We also measure profitability by examining underwriting income (loss) and net earnings (loss).



~  20  ~


 

Losses and settlement expense ratio



The losses and settlement expense ratio is the ratio (expressed as a percentage) of losses and settlement expenses incurred to net premiums earned. We measure the losses and settlement expense ratio on an accident year and calendar year loss basis to measure underwriting profitability. An accident year loss ratio measures losses and settlement expenses for insured events occurring in a particular year, regardless of when they are reported, as a percentage of premiums earned during that year. A calendar year loss ratio measures loss and settlement expense for insured events occurring during a particular year and the change in loss reserves from prior accident years as a percentage of premiums earned during that year.



Expense ratio



The underwriting expense ratio is the ratio (expressed as a percentage) of amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs and other operating expenses to premiums earned, and measures our operational efficiency in producing, underwriting and administering our insurance business.



GAAP combined ratio



Our GAAP combined ratio is the sum of the losses and settlement expense ratio and the expense ratio and measures our overall underwriting profit. If the GAAP combined ratio is below 100%, we are making an underwriting profit. If our combined ratio is at or above 100%, we are not profitable without investment income and may not be profitable if investment income is insufficient.



Net premiums written to statutory surplus ratio



The net premiums written to statutory surplus ratio represents the ratio of net premiums written, after reinsurance ceded, to statutory surplus. This ratio measures our exposure to pricing errors in our current book of business. The higher the ratio, the greater the impact on surplus should pricing prove inadequate.



Underwriting income (loss)



Underwriting income (loss) measures the pre-tax profitability of our insurance operations. It is derived by subtracting losses and settlement expense, amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, and underwriting and administrative expenses from net earned premiums. Each of these items is presented as a caption in our statements of earnings.



Net earnings (loss) and return on average equity



We use net earnings (loss) to measure our profit and return on average equity to measure our effectiveness in utilizing equity to generate net earnings. In determining return on average equity for a given year, net earnings (loss) is divided by the average of the beginning and ending equity for that year.

 

Critical Accounting Policies



The accounting policies and estimates considered by management to be critically important in the preparation and understanding of the Company’s financial statements and related disclosures are presented in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.  

 

Results of Operations



Our results of operations are influenced by factors affecting the property and casualty insurance industry in general. The operating results of the United States property and casualty insurance industry are subject to significant variations due to competition, weather, catastrophic events, regulation, general economic conditions, judicial trends, fluctuations in interest rates and other changes in the investment environment. In response to the ongoing novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, in March 2020, we announced a  temporary suspense of all insurance premium billing for 30 days, and, by August 2020 normal billing had resumed in all states in which we operate.

 

Our premium and underwriting results have been, and continue to be, influenced by market conditions. Pricing in the property and casualty insurance industry historically has been cyclical. During a soft market cycle, price competition is more significant than during a hard market cycle and makes it difficult to attract and retain properly priced commercial business. A hard market typically has a positive effect on premium growth.



~  21  ~


 

The following summarizes our results for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:  

 

Premiums

 

Direct premiums written grew by $377,000, or 2.5%, to $15,172,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 from $14,795,000 for the same period of 2020. Net written premium increased by $272,000, or 2.2%, to $12,727,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 from $12,455,000 for the same period in 2020. Net premiums earned decreased by $965,000, or 7.4%, in the three months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020, primarily due to 2020’s policy exposure decreases resulting from state mandated shutdowns of restaurants and taverns.  

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2021, we ceded to reinsurers $2,472,000 of earned premiums, compared to $2,394,000 of earned premiums for the three months ended March 31, 2020. Ceded earned premiums as a percent of direct premiums written increased to 16.3% from 16.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2020 in comparison to March 31, 2020.



Premiums are earned ratably over the term of the policy whereas written premiums are reflected on the effective date of the policy.

 

Investment Income

 

Net investment income decreased by $34,000, or 4.1%, to $801,000 for the March 31, 2021, as compared to $835,000 for the same period in 2020 as a result of a decrease in our bond portfolio’s investment income which is sensitive to the changes in interest rates.



Other Income

 

Other income is derived from policies we write and represents additional charges to policyholders for services outside of the premium charge, such as installment billing or policy issuance costs. Other income decreased by $3,000 or 6.0% during the three months ended March 31, 2021 as a result of fewer premium write offs as compared to the same period in 2020.  

 

Unpaid Losses and Settlement Expenses



The following table details our unpaid losses and settlement expenses. 







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

For the Three-Months Ended

 

 

March 31,

(In thousands)

 

2021

 

2020

Unpaid losses and settlement expense - beginning of the period:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

$

61,576 

 

$

56,838 

Less: Ceded

 

 

13,020 

 

 

11,036 

Net

 

 

48,556 

 

 

45,802 

Increase in incurred losses and settlement expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current year

 

 

7,142 

 

 

6,245 

Prior years

 

 

661 

 

 

1,597 

Total incurred

 

 

7,803 

 

 

7,842 

Deduct: Loss and settlement expense payments for claims incurred:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current year

 

 

1,288 

 

 

1,204 

Prior years

 

 

7,274 

 

 

5,484 

Total paid

 

 

8,562 

 

 

6,688 

Net unpaid losses and settlement expense - end of the period

 

 

47,797 

 

 

46,956 

Plus: Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

 

 

14,011 

 

 

11,318 

Gross unpaid losses and settlement expense - end of the period

 

$

61,808 

 

$

58,274 



Net unpaid losses and settlement expense increased by $841,000, or 1.8%, in the three months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to the same period in 2020. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, we experienced unfavorable development of $661,000 and $1,597,000, respectively. The 2021 decrease in unfavorable development was primarily driven by the Workers’ Compensation line of business. Business Owners Liability and Business Owners Property lines of business were the primary drivers of adverse development for the three months ended March 31, 2020.

 

~  22  ~


 

Losses and Settlement Expenses 

 

Losses and settlement expenses decreased by $39,000, or 0.5%, to $7,803,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2021, from $7,842,000 for the same period in 2020. Losses and settlement expenses decreased slightly for the three months ended March 31, 2021,  which we believe indicates a return to pre-COVID-19 claims experience with restaurants and taverns re-opening their doors for business. 



Policy Acquisition Costs and Other Operating Expenses and the Expense Ratio

 

Policy acquisition costs are costs we incur to issue policies, which include commissions, premium taxes, underwriting reports, and underwriter compensation costs. The Company offsets the direct commissions it pays with ceded commissions it receives from reinsurers. Other operating expenses consist primarily of information technology costs, accounting and internal control salaries, as well as audit and legal expenses. Policy acquisition costs and other operating expenses decreased by $297,000, or 6.2%, to $4,468,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 from $4,765,000 for the same period in 2020.



Our expense ratio is calculated by dividing the sum of policy acquisition costs and operating expenses by net earned premiums. We use the expense ratio to evaluate the operating efficiency of our consolidated operations. Costs that cannot be readily identifiable as a direct cost of a product line remain in Corporate and Other.



Our expense ratio increased by 46 basis points from 36.61% to 37.07% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to the same period in 2020. The primary driver for this change was the $965,000 decrease in net earned premium.

 

General Corporate Expenses

 

General corporate expenses consist primarily of occupancy costs, such as rent and utilities. These costs are largely fixed and, therefore, do not vary significantly with premium volume but do vary with the Company’s changes in properties held for investment. Our general corporate expenses decreased by $12,000, or 6.9%, in the three months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to the same period in 2020.  

    

Interest Expense

 

Interest expense increased to $54,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 from $35,000 for the same period during 2020 and reflects a full three months of interest for the $6.0 million FHLB borrowing agreement entered into in March 2020.

 

Income Tax Expense

 

We reported income tax expense of $310,000 and income tax benefit of $538,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The increase in income tax expense in 2021 relates to pretax earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to a  pretax loss for the same period in 2020. Our effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was 21.1%, compared to 21.4% for the same period in 2020. Effective rates are dependent upon components of pretax (loss) or earnings and the related tax effects.

 

The Company has not established a valuation allowance against any of the net deferred tax assets.



Financial Position



The following summarizes our financial position as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020:  



Unpaid Losses and Settlement Expense



Our reserves for unpaid loss and settlement expense are summarized below:







 

 

 

 

 

 



 

As of March 31,

 

As of  December 31,

(In thousands)

 

2021

 

2020

Case reserves

 

$

27,071 

 

$

27,901 

IBNR reserves

 

 

20,726 

 

 

20,655 

Net unpaid losses and settlement expense

 

 

47,797 

 

 

48,556 

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid loss and settlement expense

 

 

14,011 

 

 

13,020 

Reserves for unpaid loss and settlement expense

 

$

61,808 

 

$

61,576 



~  23  ~


 

As of March 31, 2021, the Company had received 1,296 claims for business interruption related to COVID-19. Based on policy language, the Company does not anticipate that coverage will be triggered for these property claims requiring loss payment.



Actuarial Ranges



The selection of the ultimate loss is based on information unique to each line of business and accident year and the judgment and expertise of our actuary and management.



The following table provides case and IBNR reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.



As of March 31, 2021 







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Case Reserves

 

IBNR Reserves

 

Total Reserves

Commercial liability

 

$

18,861 

 

$

17,617 

 

$

36,478 

Property

 

 

3,801 

 

 

84 

 

 

3,885 

Other

 

 

4,409 

 

 

3,025 

 

 

7,434 

Total net reserves

 

 

27,071 

 

 

20,726 

 

 

47,797 

Reinsurance recoverables

 

 

3,852 

 

 

10,159 

 

 

14,011 

Gross reserves

 

$

30,923 

 

$

30,885 

 

$

61,808 

 

As of December 31, 2020 







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Actuarially Determined
Range of Estimates

(In thousands)

 

Case Reserves

 

IBNR Reserves

 

Total Reserves

 

Low

 

High

Commercial liability

 

$

19,019 

 

$

17,661 

 

$

36,680 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property

 

 

4,075 

 

 

(39)

 

 

4,036 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

4,807 

 

 

3,033 

 

 

7,840 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total net reserves

 

 

27,901 

 

 

20,655 

 

 

48,556 

 

$

42,860 

 

$

50,780 

Reinsurance recoverables

 

 

5,281 

 

 

7,739 

 

 

13,020 

 

 

10,962 

 

 

14,742 

Gross reserves

 

$

33,182 

 

$

28,394 

 

$

61,576 

 

$

53,822 

 

$

65,522 



Our actuary determined a range of reasonable reserve estimates which reflect the uncertainty inherent in the loss reserve process. This range does not represent the range of all possible outcomes. We believe that the actuarially determined ranges represent reasonably likely changes in the loss and settlement expense estimates, however actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. The range was determined by line of business and accident year after a review of the output generated by the various actuarial methods utilized. The actuary reviewed the variance around the select loss reserve estimates for each of the actuarial methods and selected reasonable low and high estimates based on his knowledge and judgment. In making these judgments the actuary typically assumed, based on his experience, that the larger the reserve the less volatility and that property reserves would exhibit less volatility than casualty reserves. In addition, when selecting these low and high estimates, the actuary considered:

·

historical industry development experience in our business line;

·

historical company development experience;

·

the impact of court decisions on insurance coverage issues, which can impact the ultimate cost of settling claims;

·

changes in our internal claims processing policies and procedures; and

·

trends and risks in claim costs, such as risk that medical cost inflation could increase.



Our actuary is required to exercise a considerable degree of judgment in the evaluation of all of these and other factors in the analysis of our loss and settlement expense reserves, and related range of anticipated losses. Because of the level of uncertainty impacting the estimation process, it is reasonably possible that different actuaries would arrive at different conclusions. The method of determining the reserve range has not changed and the reserve range generated by our actuary is consistent with the observed development of our loss reserves over the last few years.



The width of the range in reserves arises primarily because specific losses may not be known and reported for some period and the ultimate losses paid and loss adjustment expenses incurred with respect to known losses may be larger than currently estimated. The ultimate frequency or severity of these claims can be very different than the assumptions we used in our estimation of ultimate reserves for these exposures.

~  24  ~


 



Specifically, the following factors could impact the frequency and severity of claims, and therefore, the ultimate amount of loss and settlement expense paid:

·

the rate of increase in labor costs, medical costs, and material costs that underlie insured risks;

·

development of risk associated with our expanding producer relationships and our growth in new states or states where we currently have small market share; and

·

impact of changes in laws or regulations.



The estimation process for determining the liability for unpaid loss and settlement expense inherently results in adjustments each year for claims incurred (but not paid) in preceding years. Negative amounts reported for claims incurred related to prior years are a result of claims being settled for amounts less than originally estimated (favorable development). Positive amounts reported for claims incurred related to prior years are a result of claims being settled for amounts greater than originally estimated (unfavorable development). For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, we experienced unfavorable development of $661,000 and $1,597,000, respectively.



Potential for variability in our reserves is evidenced by this development. As further illustration of reserve variability, we initially estimated unpaid loss and settlement expense net of reinsurance at the end of 2020 at $48,556,000. As of March 31, 2021, that reserve was re-estimated at $49,217,000, which is $661,000, or 1.4%,  higher than the initial estimate.



The estimation of our reserves is based on several actuarial methods, each of which incorporates many quantitative assumptions. The judgment of the actuary plays an important role in selecting among various loss development factors and selecting the appropriate method, or combination of methods, to use for a given accident year. The ranges presented above represent the expected variability around the actuarially determined central estimate. The total range around our actuarially determined estimate varies from (10.3)% to 6.2%. As shown in the table below, since 2016, the variance in our originally estimated accident year selections range from (3.7)% deficient to 5.4% redundant as of March 31, 2021.



Recent Variabilities of Incurred Losses and Settlement Expense, Net of Reinsurance

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Accident Year Data

(In thousands)

 

2016

 

2017

 

2018

 

2019

 

2020

As originally estimated

 

$

25,619 

 

$

29,801 

 

$

29,762 

 

$

33,563 

 

$

31,356 

As estimated at March 31, 2021

 

 

26,148 

 

 

30,918 

 

 

28,383 

 

 

34,619 

 

 

29,659 

Net cumulative (deficiency) redundancy

 

$

(529)

 

$

(1,117)

 

$

1,379 

 

$

(1,055)

 

$

1,698 

% (deficiency) redundancy

 

 

(2.1)%

 

 

(3.7)%

 

 

4.6% 

 

 

(3.1)%

 

 

5.4% 



The table below summarizes the impact on equity, net of tax, from changes in estimates of net unpaid loss and settlement expense:







 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

December 31, 2020

(In thousands)

 

 

Aggregate Loss and Settlement Reserve

 

 

Percentage Change in Equity

Reserve Range for Unpaid Losses and Settlement Expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

Low End

 

$

42,860 

 

 

6.2% 

Recorded

 

 

48,556 

 

 

0.0% 

High End

 

 

50,780 

 

 

(2.4)%



If the net loss and settlement expense reserves were recorded at the high end of the actuarially determined range as of December 31, 2020, the loss and settlement expense reserves would increase by $2,224,000 before taxes. This increase in reserves would have the effect of decreasing net earnings and equity as of December 31, 2020 by $1,757,000. If the loss and settlement expense reserves were recorded at the low end of the actuarially-determined range as of December 31, 2020, the net loss and settlement expense reserves at December 31, 2020 would be reduced by $5,696,000 with corresponding increases in net earnings and equity of $4,500,000. 



Investments



Our investments are primarily composed of fixed maturity debt securities, and both common and preferred stock equity securities. We categorize all our debt securities as available-for-sale (AFS), which are carried at fair as determined by management based upon quoted market prices when available. If a quoted market price is not available, fair value is estimated using a secondary pricing source or using quoted market prices of similar securities. Changes in unrealized investment gains or losses on our AFS securities, net of applicable income taxes, are reflected directly in equity as a component of comprehensive earnings (loss) and, accordingly, have no effect on net earnings (loss). Equity securities are carried at fair value with

~  25  ~


 

subsequent changes in fair value recorded in net earnings (loss). Investment income is recognized when earned, and capital gains and losses are recognized when investments are sold, or other-than-temporarily impaired.



The fair value and unrealized losses for our securities that were temporarily impaired are as follows:







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



March 31, 2021



Less than 12 Months

 

12 Months or Longer

 

Total

(In thousands)

Fair Value

 

Unrealized Losses

 

Fair Value

 

Unrealized Losses

 

Fair Value

 

Unrealized Losses

U.S. Treasury

$

689 

 

$

(11)

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

689 

 

$

(11)

MBS/ABS/CMBS

 

7,513 

 

 

(199)

 

 

1,821 

 

 

(116)

 

 

9,334 

 

 

(315)

Corporate

 

6,201 

 

 

(189)

 

 

233 

 

 

(16)

 

 

6,434 

 

 

(205)

Municipal

 

3,458 

 

 

(107)

 

 

245 

 

 

(4)

 

 

3,703 

 

 

(111)

Total temporarily impaired fixed maturity securities

$

17,861 

 

$

(506)

 

$

2,299 

 

$

(135)

 

$

20,160 

 

$

(641)









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



December 31, 2020



Less than 12 Months

 

12 Months or Longer

 

Total

(In thousands)

Fair Value

 

Unrealized Losses

 

Fair Value

 

Unrealized Losses

 

Fair Value

 

Unrealized Losses

U.S. Treasury

$

299 

 

$

(1)

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

299 

 

$

(1)

MBS/ABS/CMBS

 

7,120 

 

 

(116)

 

 

2,010 

 

 

(17)

 

 

9,130 

 

 

(133)

Corporate

 

1,740 

 

 

(35)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

1,740 

 

 

(35)

Municipal

 

757 

 

 

(16)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

757 

 

 

(16)

Total temporarily impaired fixed maturity securities

$

9,916 

 

$

(168)

 

$

2,010 

 

$

(17)

 

$

11,926 

 

$

(185)



Corporate Bonds



The net unrealized gain in the Corporate bond portfolio decreased by about $1.8 million from a gain of $4,394,000 at the end of 2020 to a gain of $2,631,000 as of March 31, 2021. The decrease in unrealized gains was driven by an increase in Treasury rates.  Treasury rates moved higher across the curve during the first quarter, with the five year maturity up 58 basis points and the ten year maturity up 82 basis points.  This increase in the risk free rate caused prices on bonds to drop meaningfully. 



Municipal Bonds



The net unrealized gain in the Municipal portfolio decreased by about $0.5 million from $1,300,000 at the end of 2020 to $845,000 at the end of March 31, 2021.  Like Corporates, Municipal gains were negatively impacted by higher Treasury rates.  However, the decline in unrealized gains was muted by spread tightening in the sector due to tailwinds from the $350 billion allocation to states from the $1.9 trillion fiscal stimulus package and concerns about higher future tax rates. 



We monitor our investment portfolio and review securities that have experienced a decline in fair value below cost to evaluate whether the decline is other than temporary. When assessing whether the amortized cost basis of the security will be recovered, we compare the present value of the cash flows likely to be collected, based on an evaluation of all available information relevant to the collectability of the security, to the amortized cost basis of the security. The shortfall of the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected in relation to the amortized cost basis is referred to as the “credit loss.” If there is a credit loss, the impairment is other-than-temporary. If we identify that an other-than-temporary impairment loss has occurred, we then determine whether we intend to sell the security, or if it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security prior to recovering the amortized cost basis less any current-period credit losses. If we determine that we do not intend to sell, and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security, the amount of the impairment loss related to the credit loss will be recorded in earnings, and the remaining portion of the other-than-temporary impairment loss will be recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. If we determine that we intend to sell the security, or that it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security prior to recovering its amortized cost basis less any current-period credit losses, the full amount of the other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) will be recognized in earnings.



For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and for the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company did not take an impairment charge on any of its security holdings. Adverse investment market conditions, or poor operating results of underlying investments, could result in impairment charges in the future.



~  26  ~


 

We use quoted values and other data provided by independent pricing services in our process for determining fair values of our investments. The evaluations of such pricing services represent an exit price and a good faith opinion as to what a buyer in the marketplace would pay for a security in a current sale. This pricing service provides us with one quote per instrument. For fixed maturity securities that have quoted prices in active markets, market quotations are provided. For fixed maturity securities that do not trade daily, the independent pricing service prepares estimates of fair value using a wide array of observable inputs including relevant market information, benchmark curves, benchmarking of like securities, sector groupings, and matrix pricing. The observable market inputs that our independent pricing service utilizes may include (listed in order of priority for use) benchmark yields, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, market bids/offers, and other reference data on markets, industry, and the economy. Additionally, the independent pricing service uses an option adjusted spread model to develop prepayment and interest rate scenarios. The pricing service did not use broker quotes in determining fair values of our investments.



Should the independent pricing service be unable to provide a fair value estimate, we would attempt to obtain a non-binding fair value estimate from a number of broker-dealers and review this estimate in conjunction with a fair value estimate reported by an independent business news service or other sources. In instances where only one broker-dealer provides a fair value for a fixed maturity security, we use that estimate. In instances where can obtain fair value estimates from more than one broker-dealer, we would review the range of estimates and would select the most appropriate value based on the facts and circumstances. Should neither the independent pricing service nor a broker-dealer provide a fair value estimate, we would develop a fair value estimate based on cash flow analyses and other valuation techniques that utilize certain unobservable inputs. Accordingly, we would classify such a security as a Level 3 investment.



The fair value estimates of our investments provided by the independent pricing service at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, were utilized, among other resources, in reaching a conclusion as to the fair value of our investments.



Management reviews the reasonableness of the pricing provided by the independent pricing service by employing various analytical procedures. We review all securities to identify recent downgrades, significant changes in pricing, and pricing anomalies on individual securities relative to other similar securities. This will include looking for relative consistency across securities in common sectors, durations, and credit ratings. This review will also include all fixed maturity securities rated lower than “A” by Moody’s or S&P. If, after this review, management does not believe the pricing for any security is a reasonable estimate of fair value, then it will seek to resolve the discrepancy through discussions with the pricing service. In our review, we did not identify any such discrepancies for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 and for the year ended December 31, 2020, and no adjustments were made to the estimates provided by the pricing service. The classification within the fair value hierarchy of Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement, is then confirmed based on the final conclusions from the pricing review.



Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs



Certain acquisition costs consisting of direct and ceded commissions, premium taxes and certain other direct underwriting expenses that vary with and are primarily related to the production of business are deferred and amortized over the effective period of the related insurance policies as the underlying policy premiums are earned. At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, deferred acquisition costs and the related unearned premium reserves were as follows: 







 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

March 31, 2021

 

December 31, 2020

Deferred acquisition costs

$

5,721 

 

$

5,430 

Unearned premium reserves

 

30,468 

 

 

29,789 



The method followed in computing deferred acquisition costs limits the amount of deferred costs to their estimated realizable value, which gives effect to the premium to be earned, related investment income, loss and loss adjustment expenses, and certain other costs expected to be incurred as the premium is earned. Future changes in estimates, the most significant of which is expected loss and loss adjustment expenses, may require adjustments to deferred policy acquisition costs. If the estimation of net realizable value indicates that the deferred acquisition costs are not recoverable, they would be written off.



Income Taxes



We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Deferred income taxes arise from the recognition of

temporary differences between financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of our assets and liabilities. A valuation

allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The effect of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period of the enactment date.



We exercise significant judgment in evaluating the amount and timing of recognition of the resulting tax liabilities and assets. These judgments require us to make projections of future taxable income. The judgments and estimates we make in determining our deferred tax assets, which are inherently subjective, are reviewed on a continual basis as regulatory and

~  27  ~


 

business factors change. Any reduction in estimated future taxable income may require us to record an additional valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets.



As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we had no material unrecognized tax benefits or accrued interest and penalties. Federal tax years 2017 through current year are open for examination.



Other Assets 



As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, other assets totaled $1,289,000 and $1,307,000, respectively. The decrease in other assets primarily relates to decreases in Corporate Owned Life Insurance asset values as well as prepaid fees. The Company owns life insurance policies on Arron K. Sutherland, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Norman D. Schmeichel, Vice President – Chief Information Officer.

Outstanding Debt



As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, outstanding debt balances totaled $13,463,000 and $13,466,000, respectively. The average rate on remaining debt was 1.6% and 2.2% as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.  

 

Debt Obligation



ICC Holdings, Inc. secured a loan with a commercial bank in March 2017 in the amount of $3,500,000 and used the proceeds to repay ICC for the money borrowed by the ESOP. The term of the loan is five years bearing interest at 3.65%. The Company pledged stock and $1.0 million of marketable assets as collateral for the loan.



In response to COVID-19, the Company obtained in March 2020 and May 2020 a $6.0 million and $4.0 million loan, respectively, from the FHLBC as a precautionary measure to increase its cash position,  to provide increased liquidity, and to compensate for potential reductions in premium receivable collections.



Revolving Line of Credit



We maintain a revolving line of credit with a commercial bank, which permits borrowing up to an aggregate principal amount of $2.0 million. This facility was initially entered into in August 2020 and is priced at Prime plus 0.5%. The Company pledged $2.0 million in business assets in the event the Company draws down on the line of credit. There are no financial covenants governing this agreement.



There were no borrowings outstanding and there was no interest paid on the line of credit during the three months ended March 31, 2021.  



Other Liabilities



As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, other liabilities totaled $944,000 and $1,291,000, respectively. The decrease in other liabilities relates to $210,000 of investment purchases that were pending settlement as of year-end December 31, 2020 and subsequently settled in the first quarter of 2021.



ESOP



In connection with our conversion and public offering, the ESOP financed the purchase of 10.0% of the common stock issued in the offering for $3,500,000 with the proceeds of a loan from ICC prior to the expiration of the offering. ICC makes annual contributions to the ESOP sufficient to repay that loan. See Note 8 – Employee Benefits of this Form 10-Q as well as the “Management — Benefit Plans and Employment Agreements —Employee Stock Ownership Plan” section of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. 

~  28  ~


 

Stock-based Incentive Plan



Under the ICC Holdings, Inc. 2016 Equity Incentive Plan, we reserved for issuance a total of 490,000 shares of common stock. Of this amount, 350,000 shares of common stock may be granted in the form of restricted stock and stock-settled restricted stock unit awards, and 140,000 shares of common stock may be granted in the form of stock options under the stock-based incentive plan. The grant-date fair value of any common stock used for restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards will represent unearned compensation. As we accrue compensation expense to reflect the vesting of such shares, unearned compensation will be reduced accordingly. We compute compensation expense at the time stock units are awarded based on the fair value of such options on the date they are granted. This compensation expense is recognized over the appropriate service period. Restricted stock units (RSUs) were granted for the first time in February 2018 with additional RSUs granted in March 2019 and April 2020. The RSUs vest 1/3 over three years from the date of grant. See Note 8 – Employee Benefits of this Form 10-Q as well as the “Management — Benefit Plans and Employment Agreements” section of the Company’s 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources



We generate sufficient funds from our operations and maintain a high degree of liquidity in our investment portfolio to meet the demands of claim settlements and operating expenses. The primary sources of funds are premium collections, investment earnings and maturing investments. The decrease in cash used in investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020 relates primarily to purchases of fixed maturity securities and preferred stocks. The decrease in cash provided by financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to the same period in 2020 relates to a  $6.0 million loan obtained from FHLBC during the first three months of 2020. See Note 4 – Debt of this Form 10-Q for more information.



We maintain investment and reinsurance programs that are intended to provide sufficient funds to meet our obligations without forced sales of investments. We maintain a portion of our investment portfolio in relatively short-term and highly liquid assets to ensure the availability of funds.



Cash flows from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 were as follows:







 

 

 

 

 



Three-Months Ended March 31,

(In thousands)

2021

 

2020

Net cash provided by operating activities

$

483 

 

$

163 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(1,503)

 

 

(3,781)

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

 

(22)

 

 

5,997 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

$

(1,042)

 

$

2,379 



ICC Holdings, Inc.’s principal source of liquidity is dividend payments and other fees received from ICC, Beverage Insurance Agency Inc., and ICC Realty, LLC. ICC is restricted by the insurance laws of Illinois as to the amount of dividends or other distributions it may pay to us. Under Illinois law, there is a maximum amount that may be paid by ICC during any twelve-month period. ICC may pay dividends to us after notice to, but without prior approval of the Illinois Department of Insurance in an amount “not to exceed” the greater of (i) 10% of the surplus as regards policyholders of ICC as reported on its most recent annual statement filed with the Illinois Department of Insurance, or (ii) the statutory net income of ICC for the period covered by such annual statement. Dividends in excess of this amount are considered “extraordinary” and are subject to the approval of the Illinois Department of Insurance.



The amount available for payment of dividends from ICC in 2021 without the prior approval of the Illinois Department of Insurance is approximately $5.9 million based upon the insurance company’s 2020 annual statement. Prior to its payment of any dividend, ICC is required to provide notice of the dividend to the Illinois Department of Insurance. This notice must be provided to the Illinois Department of Insurance 30 days prior to the payment of an extraordinary dividend and 10 days prior to the payment of an ordinary dividend. The Illinois Department of Insurance has the power to limit or prohibit dividend payments if ICC is in violation of any law or regulation. These restrictions or any subsequently imposed restrictions may affect our future liquidity. In March 2020, ICC paid a $500,000 dividend to ICC Holdings, Inc.



As of March 31, 2021, the Company had received 1,296 claims for business interruption related to COVID-19. Based on policy language, the Company does not anticipate that coverage will be triggered for these property claims requiring loss payment.

 

The actual timing of gross loss and loss adjustment expense payments is unknown and therefore timing estimates are based on historical experience and the expectations of future payment patterns.  

~  29  ~


 

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Information about Market Risk



Market Risk



Market risk is the risk that we will incur losses due to adverse changes in the fair value of financial instruments. We have exposure to three principal types of market risk through our investment activities: interest rate risk, credit risk and equity risk. Our primary market risk exposure is to changes in interest rates. We have not entered, and do not plan to enter, into any derivative financial instruments for hedging, trading or speculative purposes.



Interest Rate Risk



Interest rate risk is the risk that we will incur economic losses due to adverse changes in interest rates. Our exposure to interest rate changes primarily results from our significant holdings of fixed rate investments. Fluctuations in interest rates have a direct impact on the fair value of these securities.



The average maturity of the debt securities in our investment portfolio at March 31, 2021,  was 8.27 years. Our debt securities investments include U.S. government bonds, securities issued by government agencies, obligations of state and local governments and governmental authorities, and corporate bonds, most of which are exposed to changes in prevailing interest rates and which may experience moderate fluctuations in fair value resulting from changes in interest rates. We carry these investments as available for sale. This allows us to manage our exposure to risks associated with interest rate fluctuations through active review of our investment portfolio by our management and board of directors and consultation with our third-party investment manager.



Fluctuations in near-term interest rates could have an impact on our results of operations and cash flows. Certain of these securities may have call features. In a declining interest rate environment these securities may be called by their issuer and replaced with securities bearing lower interest rates. If we are required to sell these securities in a rising interest rate environment, we may recognize losses.



As a general matter, we attempt to match the durations of our assets with the durations of our liabilities. Our investment objectives include maintaining adequate liquidity to meet our operational needs, optimizing our after-tax investment income, and our after-tax total return, all of which are subject to our tolerance for risk.



The table below shows the interest rate sensitivity of our fixed maturity investments measured in terms of fair value (which is equal to the carrying value for all our investment securities that are subject to interest rate changes):







 

 

 

 

 

 



 

March 31, 2021

Hypothetical Change in Interest Rates (In thousands)

 

Estimated Change in Fair Value

 

Fair Value

200 basis point increase

 

$

(10,136)

 

$

91,729 

100 basis point increase

 

 

(5,226)

 

 

96,639 

No change

 

 

 —

 

 

101,865 

100 basis point decrease1

 

 

3,901 

 

 

105,766 

200 basis point decrease1

 

 

6,377 

 

 

108,242 



1Assumes US rates are floored at 0%.



Credit Risk



Credit risk is the potential economic loss principally arising from adverse changes in the financial condition of a specific debt issuer. We address this risk by investing primarily in fixed maturity securities that are rated investment grade and at least 70% of our investment securities must be rated at least “A” by Moody’s or an equivalent rating quality. We also independently, and through our independent third-party investment manager, monitor the financial condition of all of the issuers of fixed maturity securities in the portfolio. To limit our exposure to risk, we employ diversification rules that limit the credit exposure to any single issuer or asset class.



Equity Risk



Equity price risk is the risk that we will incur economic losses due to adverse changes in equity prices.



~  30  ~


 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures



A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected.

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures



The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) that are designed to ensure that required information is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the required timeframe as specified in the SEC’s rules and forms of the SEC. Our disclosure controls and procedures are also designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.



In connection with the preparation of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we carried out an evaluation under the supervision of and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, as of March 31, 2021, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of March 31, 2021, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.



Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting



There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) identified during the first quarter of 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION



Item 1. Legal Proceedings



There were no material changes to report.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors



A description of the risks associated with our business, financial conditions and results of operations is set forth in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. 



~  31  ~


 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds



Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers



The following table summarizes repurchases of common stock pursuant to share repurchase programs authorized by the Board of Directors.

Purchases of Equity Securities







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Period

 

(a) Total number of shares (or units) purchased

 

(b) Average price paid per share (or unit)

 

(c) Total number of shares (or units) purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs

 

(d) Maximum number (or approximate dollar value) of shares (or units) that may be purchased under the plans or programs (1)

January 1 – January 31, 2021

 

 —

 

$

 —

 

 —

 

$

2,788,205 

February 1 – February 28, 2021

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 —

 

$

2,788,205 

March 1 – March 31, 2021

 

1,300 

 

 

14.75 

 

1,300 

 

$

2,769,030 

Total

 

1,300 

 

$

14.75 

 

1,300 

 

 

 



(1)

In August 2018, the Company announced the establishment of a $3.0 million share repurchase program, with no expiration date.  The authorization is in addition to the existing share repurchase program.

    

Item 3. Default Upon Senior Securities



Not applicable.



Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures



Not applicable.



Item 5. Other Information



Not applicable.





~  32  ~


 

Item 6. Exhibits





 

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

3.1 

  

Form of Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of ICC Holdings, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-214081) filed on December 23, 2016)

3.2 

  

Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws of ICC Holdings, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-214081) filed on December 23, 2016)

10.1 

 

Deferred Compensation Agreement, dated March 18, 2021, among ICC Holdings, Inc., Illinois Casualty Company, and Arron K. Sutherland (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-38046) filed on March 19, 2021)

31.1 

 

Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2 

 

Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1 

 

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.2 

 

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101 

 

XBRL-Related Documents

 

~  33  ~


 

SIGNATURES



Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on May  14, 2021.





 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 



 

 

ICC HOLDINGS, INC.



 

 

 

 



 

 

By:  

 

/s/ Arron K. Sutherland



 

 

 

 

Arron K. Sutherland

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

(Principal Executive Officer)



 

 

 

 

 



 

 

By:  

 

/s/ Michael R. Smith



 

 

 

 

Michael R. Smith

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 



~  34  ~


EXECUTION VERSION





DEFERRED COMPENSATION AGREEMENT



THIS DEFERRED COMPENSATION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made effective as of 1st day of January, 2021 (the “Effective Date”) among Arron K. Sutherland (“Executive”), ICCH Holdings, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation (“ICC Holdings”), and Illinois Casualty Company, an Illinois insurance company and a  wholly owned subsidiary of ICC Holdings (the “Company”).  For purposes of this Agreement, ICC Holdings and the Company may sometimes be collectively referred to as “Employer”. 



WHEREAS, the Executive is employed by the Company and has been for fourteen (14) years, during which time the Executive has performed valuable services for the Company; and



WHEREAS, the Executive currently serves as President/CEO of the Company, and the Company wishes to benefit from the Executive’s continued loyalty, service, and counsel in years to come, to the continued profit of the Company.



NOW, THEREFORE, in order to reward and encourage such continued loyal and valuable service, and to assist the Executive in adequately planning for the financial demands of retirement, and to provide also for the Executive’s family security in the event of disability or death, the parties agree as follows:





ARTICLE I



A.    Vesting of Benefit. Upon the Executive’s 62nd birthday,  the Executive shall be considered to be fully Vested in the amount payable to or on behalf of Executive under this Agreement.



B.    Death of Executive. If the Executive continues employment with the Company as a full time employee and the Executive dies prior to the first day of the month following the month of the Executive’s 62nd birthday,  the Company shall pay monthly installments of Sixteen Thousand Six Hundred Sixty-Six and 67/100 Dollars ($16,667.67) for a continuous period of one hundred twenty (120) months to the Executive’s beneficiary or beneficiaries listed on the attached Exhibit  A.



C.    Separation from Service.  



    1.    If the Executive continues employment with the Company as a full time employee until the Executive is fully Vested, the Company shall pay to the Executive monthly installments of Sixteen Thousand Six Hundred Sixty-Six and 67/100 Dollars ($16,667.67) beginning in the month following the month of the Executive’s separation from service for a continuous period of one hundred twenty (120) months. In the event the Executive should die after the Executive’s before receiving the full one hundred twenty (120) monthly installments, the remaining payments shall be paid by the Company, as they fall due, to the Executive’s beneficiary or beneficiaries listed on the attached Exhibit  A.



    2.    Subject to Article II below, if the Executive’s separation from service with the Company occurs prior to the Executive is fully Vested, the Company shall pay to the Executive the following amounts:



1


 

a.    If the Executive’s separation of service occurs prior to November 20,  2022,  then beginning in the first month after the first day of the month following the month of the Executive’s 62nd birthday, the Company shall pay monthly installments of Four Thousand One Hundred Sixty-Six and 67/100 Dollars ($4,166.67) to the Executive for a continuous period of one hundred twenty (120) months. 



b.    If the Executive’s separation of service occurs after November 21, 2022 and prior to November 20, 2027, then beginning in the first month after the first day of the month following the month of the Executive’s 62nd birthday, the Company shall pay monthly installments of Eight Thousand Three Hundred Thirty-Three and 33/100 Dollars ($8,333.33) to the Executive for a continuous period of one hundred twenty (120) months.



c.    If the Executive’s separation of service occurs after the November 21, 2027 and prior to September 20, 2030, then beginning in the first month after the first day of the month following the month of the Executive’s 62nd birthday, the Company shall pay monthly installments of Twelve Thousand Five Hundred and 00/100 Dollars ($12,500.00) to the Executive for a continuous period of one hundred twenty (120) months.



D.    Reimbursement to the Executive for Incremental Income Taxes Paid by the Executive. It is contemplated that when the Executive separates from service, the Executive will incur additional employment taxes (the “Additional Employment Taxes”), currently at approximately 1.45%, as a result of the Executive benefit becoming ascertainable. The Company agrees that upon Executive’s separation from service, the Company will “gross up” the Executive’s salary to cover the Executive’s Additional Employment Taxes resulting the Executive benefit becoming ascertainable.



E.    No Other Payments. The Company shall make no payments to the Executive under this Agreement other than those specified in paragraphs A through D of this Article I.





ARTICLE II



    A.    Forfeiture of Benefits. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Article I of this Agreement, the Executive shall forfeit all rights to any and all benefits to be paid to the Executive under this Agreement if:



        1.    Suicide.  The Executive dies by suicide within two years after the execution of this Agreement.



        2.    Termination. Prior to the Executive’s 62nd birthday, the Company terminates the Executive’s employment for “Cause” under the terms of the written Employment Agreement dated October 5, 2016 by and between the Company and the Executive (the “Employment Agreement), a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit B.  



    B.    Leave of Absence. The Company may, in its sole discretion, permit the Executive to take a leave of absence (a “Leave of Absence”) for a period not to exceed one (1) year. During the Leave of Absence, the Executive will be deemed an employee of the Company for all purposes of this Agreement.



    C.    No Acceleration of Benefits. The benefits provided for under Article I. of this Agreement may not be accelerated and paid at an earlier time than specified in Article I., neither at the option of the Executive nor in the discretion of the Company or any other person.



2


 

ARTICLE III



    A.    Assignment of Benefits.  Except to the extent that this provision may be contrary to law, no assignment, pledge, hypothecation, collateralization, lien or attachment of any of the benefits payable pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement shall be valid or recognized by the Company. None of the payments provided for by this Agreement shall be subject to seizure for payment of any debts or judgments against the Executive or any beneficiary, nor shall the Executive or any beneficiary have the right to transfer, modify, anticipate, or in any way encumber any rights or benefits under this Agreement.



    B.    Amendment.   During the lifetime of the Executive, this Agreement may be altered, amended, or revoked at any time in whole or in part by written agreement of the parties. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no alteration, amendment or revocation of this Agreement may be made in a manner that would cause the benefits payable hereunder to be accelerated or to be deferred in a manner that would cause this Agreement not to be in compliance with Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) §409A.



    C.    Designation of Beneficiary.  In the event of the Executive's death, any installments provided for in Article I.C. of this Agreement, or any payments due under the terms of Article I.B. of this Agreement, shall be paid to the beneficiary or beneficiaries listed on the attached Exhibit  A.  The beneficiary or beneficiaries listed on the attached Exhibit  A may be changed at any time by the Executive, with the agreement of the Company by a written amended Exhibit  A signed by the parties to this Agreement. 



    D.    Unsecured Promise.  The provisions of this Agreement represent the unsecured promises of the Company. The Executive understands and acknowledges that the benefits herein are not secured by any rights to specific assets of the Company. 



    E.    Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”).  For purposes of Title I of ERISA, the arrangement described in this Agreement is an unfunded excess benefit plan for a select highly compensated employee. The plan fiduciary is the secretary (the “Secretary”) of the Company.  Any claim under the plan should be filed in writing with the Secretary, and the Secretary shall respond to such claim in writing, in plain understandable language, making detailed and specific reference to material facts and to the terms of this Agreement, and explaining how and when benefits will be paid, or why they will not be paid, and outlining timely and reasonable procedures for appeal. If a claim under the plan is denied, notice of such denial shall be provided within ninety (90) days or less following the receipt of a claim by the Secretary. 



    F.    Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”).  For purposes of the Internal Revenue Code, this Agreement has been drafted to comply with and to be governed by IRC §409A and the regulations thereunder. The Company shall administer this Agreement with the intent to comply with IRC §409A, as interpreted in accordance with the regulations thereunder.



G.    Binding on Heirs, etc.  This Agreement is solely between the Company and the Executive and shall be binding upon the parties to this Agreement, their heirs, assigns, successors, executors and administrators.



H.    Governing Law.  This Agreement and all distributions under it shall be governed by the laws of the State of Illinois.



I.    Severability.  If any portion of this Agreement is held to be invalid or otherwise not enforceable, the remainder shall have force and effect to the full extent permitted by law.



3


 

J.    Entire Agreement and Termination of Previous Deferred Compensation Agreement.  This Agreement represents the final and entire agreement between the parties, and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous agreements, express or implied, written or unwritten, including that certain Deferred Compensation Agreement by and between Illinois Casualty Company, a Mutual Insurance Company and the Executive effective as of November 20, 2012.



    K.    Arbitration; Legal Fees. Except as otherwise provided herein, all controversies, claims or disputes arising out of or related to this Agreement shall be settled in Rock Island, Illinois, under the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect, and judgment upon such award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction. 



         



[SIGNATURES  FOLLOW ON NEXT PAGE]

4


 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement at Rock Island, Illinois, on the 18th day of March,  2021, effective as of the Effective Date identified above.





ICC HOLDINGS:                    

ICC Holdings, Inc.



                                  

By: /s/ Julia B. Suiter_            

                            

Name: Julia B. Suiter_             



Title: Chief Legal Officer        







THE COMPANY:

Illinois Casualty Company





By: /s/ Julia B. Suiter_            

                            

Name: Julia B. Suiter_             



Title: Chief Legal Officer        





EXECUTIVE:





/s/ Arron K. Sutherland            

Arron K. Sutherland



5


 

Exhibit  A



Beneficiaries





Name of Beneficiary or Beneficiaries:



Arron K. Sutherland Revocable Trust dated May 23, 2013





Executed effective as of March 18,  2021





/s/ Arron K. Sutherland            

Arron K. Sutherland    

6


 

Exhibit B



Employment Agreement



See attached Employment Agreement.



7


Exhibit 31.1

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S 302 CERTIFICATION

 

I, Arron K. Sutherland, certify that:



1.

I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of ICC Holdings, Inc.;



2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;



3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;



4.

The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f))for the registrant and have:

   

(a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;



(b)

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;



(c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and



(d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

   

5.

The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

   

(a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

   

(b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.



Date: May 14, 2021





/s/ Arron K. Sutherland

Arron K. Sutherland

Chief Executive Officer

(principal executive officer)




Exhibit 31.2

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER’S 302 CERTIFICATION

   

I, Michael R. Smith, certify that:

   

1.

I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of ICC Holdings, Inc.;



2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;



3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;



4.

The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

   

(a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;



(b)

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;



(c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and



(d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

   

5.

The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

   

(a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

   

(b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

   

Date: May 14, 2021 





/s/ Michael R. Smith

Michael R. Smith

Chief Financial Officer

(principal financial officer)




Exhibit 32.1

   

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

   

In connection with the Quarterly Report of ICC Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2021, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Arron K. Sutherland, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:





 

1.

The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and





 

2.

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.



   

Date: May 14, 2021 





/s/Arron K. Sutherland

Arron K. Sutherland

Chief Executive Officer






Exhibit 32.2

   

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

   

In connection with the Quarterly Report of ICC Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2021 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Michael R. Smith, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:





 

1.

The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and





 

2.

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.



   

   

Date: May 14, 2021





/s/ Michael R. Smith

Michael R. Smith

Chief Financial Officer








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